Breathing requirements??? Apparently nature took care of this problem. The little Pugle does not have the flat face or short pug nose nor do they have the more narrow pointed nose of the beagle. It is a wonderful compromise.
A brachycephalic syndrome can be problematic in the "flat-faced breeds. But, more often than not, it is not a serious problem. It is something that is a serious problem only occasionally and is certainly more serious in some dogs than it is in others. And, crossing these breeds with a longer nosed dog actually reduces any chance for this problem to occur.
Interestingly, the vet mentioned this exact breathing problem --- a breed-specific problem (in the pug) --- as one that can be modified with cross breeding. This, she said, is an improvement.
One breeder I found on the Internet says that the Pugle is a wonderful new little guy - "It tames the barking of the Beagle and improves the breathing of the Pug." --- He went on to say that the Pugle is "happy, energetic, playful, healthy little dog." He has had several of these dogs for years.
So - apparently - rather than there being a problem - there is an improvement.
Carol Jean |